Overview

• The Florida Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 in Game 5 to win their first-round series 4-1, advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals.
• Eetu Luostarinen led the Panthers with a career-best performance, recording a goal and three assists in the series-clinching victory.
• The Carolina Hurricanes became the first team to reach the second round, overcoming a three-goal deficit to beat the New Jersey Devils 5-4 in double overtime in Game 5.
• Washington Capitals also advanced to the next round after a 4-1 series win over the Montreal Canadiens, setting up a matchup with Carolina.
• The Toronto Maple Leafs, leading their series 3-2, face a must-win Game 6 in Ottawa after losing two consecutive closeout opportunities.